Types of Oven Hob
A hob is a flat cooking surface that is placed over your oven to cook your pots and stove pans. There are different types of hobs, such as gas, electric and induction.
Look for features such as the rotary control, touch or position. They allow you to control the heating zones by the press of a button, and also prevent them being knocked over easily, especially by children.
Ceramic Hobs
Ceramic hobs are stylish and functionality in a modern kitchen. The glossy surface can be damaged by food scratches and residues. To ensure that your stove looks good and working efficiently it is essential to maintain regular cleaning. Avoid using abrasive cleansers or scrubbing pads.
Hobs of this kind are heated by passing an electric current through coiled components hidden beneath the glass surface which generate heat when activated by control knobs. Certain models employ an element that radiates heat through the surface of the glass. Certain models have the halogen element, which is more effective. They can heat the entire surface with repeated pulses.
Certain ceramic hobs have advanced safety features, such as residual heat indicator, which warns you when the surface remains hot to the touch. This helps prevent burns. Some have child locks to protect children from accidentally altering the settings.
For optimal performance, it is important to select the right cookware for your ceramic hob. It is important that your pans have flat bottoms, since this helps ensure even heating and helps avoid hot spots that could cause food to be overcooked or undercooked. Also, avoid drag pans across the kitchen surface, as this can scratch the glass.
To allow for greater flexibility in cooking it is recommended to use ceramic hobs that have a dual ring design or the 'I-Flex' zone which can accommodate either two single pots or a large pan (you'll need to have at least a 30cm-wide pan to allow it to register). There are models that have booster heaters for quick heating in specific pans or zones. This is perfect for searing steak and stir-fry. Certain models come with an automatic shut-off function which shuts off the stove at a specific time to prevent it from overheating. This is a great safety feature that will give you peace of mind. This function is usually activated by pressing the "Power button' on the control panel when you have an appliance set to the maximum temperature and no activity is detected for a predetermined period of time.
Gas Hobs
Gas hobs, also referred to as gas stoves or gas cookers are kitchen appliances that make use of flammable natural gas or the liquefied petrol gas (LPG) for their fuel. The flame heats both the cookware and the air surrounding it. This allows for quick cooking and precise temperature control. Gas hobs are designed to be elevated, which gives extra security by preventing your body from being in contact with the flame. This eliminates the danger of burning. This design is elevated and requires extra care when cleaning or operating the hob to avoid spilling liquids onto the burners.
The burners of a traditional gas cooker are controlled manually and lit with matches. Modern models come with an automatic igniter, which ensures that the gas is lit automatically. The flame can then be controlled by the control knobs which makes it easy to alter the heat level as needed. Certain gas hobs have multiple flame burners, based on the model. This gives you more cooking flexibility.
Gas hobs require a continuous gas supply, which can be a problem if you live in an area with a sporadic or unreliable supply. Gas hobs also require regular maintenance to avoid dangerous corrosion and leaks. Because of this, it is important to install a gas hob after consulting with an approved Gas Safe fitter who can provide an expert installation and adhere to strict safety protocols.
Although induction and electric hobs are gaining popularity but there is an enormous market for gas appliances in some regions. This is due to the preferences of consumers and environmental concerns in addition to local energy prices and availability. As a result, it is important to assess the utility costs of your kitchen's infrastructure before choosing a model of hob.
Induction Hobs
Induction hobs are the most popular choice for our customers who want a sleek, clean-looking kitchen. Magnetism is used to heat the pans, rather than an evaporating surface or burning gas underneath. Beneath the glass ceramic surface are copper coils which an electric current that is alternating runs through. When an induction-compatible saucepan is placed on the top of the cooker the coils sense the magnetic base and release heat directly into the cooker or the pan itself. This is more efficient than traditional gas stoves and is more energy-efficient. The glass-ceramic surfaces remain cool to the touch and is also easy to clean.
Like other modern hobs, induction ones are also designed to be more easy to keep clean than their gas counterparts. To keep your induction hob as clean as new, all you need is a damp cloth.
The main limitation with cooking induction is that you'll need have suitable cookware for it. Stainless steel, cast iron and some non-stick cookware are compatible but they need an induction-compatible magnetic base. If you're not sure whether your existing cookware is induction-compatible, a quick test is to Best place to buy oven and hob a magnet on the bottom of the pan. If it sticks firmly, then your pan is induction-compatible.
A variety of induction hobs is available, ranging from budget models to high-end brands with a full TFT display and an extensive operating menu. If a pan is placed in a zone of power, the hob will show its position on the full-color display. It also has the option of a slider or control button which allows you to change the power setting or set the timer. There are many clever accessories, such as pan sensors that adhere to the sides of cookware and communicate with the oven using bluetooth to control the power.
Induction hobs that have an integrated fan cut down on steam, smoke and cooking smells. This model is ideal for homes with limited space, as it eliminates the need for an extractor fan. It utilizes magnetic fields within the kilohertz frequency band to produce heat that affects the pan and its contents. In normal operation at the distance of 5-10 centimeters, these fields conform with the reference value of the magnetic flux density set for the relevant frequency range by the International Commission on Non-Ionizing Radiation Protection and no health effects are anticipated.
Electric Hobs
The top electric hobs offer sleek design and are designed to complement all kitchen designs. They are perfect for those who prefer using touch controls to dials, and they come with a wide range of options to meet your cooking requirements. They are mostly made of glass, which is easy to clean, and can appear stylish if you go for a white or black design. Certain models come with a bridge feature to combine two zones in order to accommodate larger pans, while others have an extra power boost button that can provide additional heat for those who have a difficult task.
Induction hobs are gaining popularity because they offer a contemporary and sleek design that can be incorporated into modern kitchen designs. They cook quickly and provide an excellent level of safety. For instance, they tend to cool faster than gas cookers and come with a "hot" indicator light that stays on to inform you that the cooking zone is hot to the contact. They are also more efficient because the magnetic field only generates heat under the pan itself which means you're not heating the air around you.
However, there are things to keep in mind when selecting an induction hob that will require a particular power supply with the right breakers and cables. We'd recommend having your electric cooker installed by a licensed electrician. Induction hobs can be costly, and you will need to purchase a set of compatible induction pans if you want to get the most benefit from them. They are also more expensive to run because they often use more energy than other types of hobs.
Why not check out our wide collection of kitchen appliances if your thinking of the purchase of a new kitchen or replacing your existing hob? We can help you select the perfect oven hob; company website, to fit your style and preferences. Our experts are available to discuss your options and answer any questions you may have. We offer a nationwide service and can install your new appliance if you'd like.